Explain Boston to Me

We're chatting with Jim Varney of Wavelength Coffee Roasters about local coffee culture — from Dunkin and Coffee Connection to Keurig and $8 pour-overs. What does it mean that this regional prizes both affordable, utilitarian caffeine delivery AND serves as a hot-bed for java-centric innovation?

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This conversation focuses on Boston's wealth of historic buildings — and the advantages and challenges that result. Peter Vanderwarker and Dr. Rebecca Kemper from Historic Boston Incorporated share their thoughts on the evolving city, when a building crosses the rubicon and becomes "historic" (paging City Hall), and lament some of their favorite lost structures.

Philly's best cheesesteak is in the visiting clubhouse. 

Duck Boat disaster. 

'The Five-Star Weekend' filmed on Nantucket. 

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We're hopping on a ferry and heading to the "The Little Grey Lady of the Sea." Author Julie Gerstenblatt is here to talk us through her personal relationship to Nantucket, detail the island's particular charms, and explain how the whaling-mecca-turned-posh-summer-destination has evolved over the years.

Primo's Hoagie Trays!

Jaylen Brown to the Sixers.

@Carly gets her own Nantucket lightship basket.

Julie's Website.

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I'm down the [Jersey] shore, so it's rerun time! This is one of the show's most popular episodes ever. We’re talking tripledeckers, that iconic piece of the local urban fabric with Matthew Dickey, aka Streetscape Curator. What are the origins of this vernacular architectural style? How has their identity — and their residents — changed over the years? And are we ready for a tripledecker renaissance?

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In this episode, we're chatting with chef and restauranteur Nick Dixon about what it actually takes to run a successful spot in the city of Boston, from the cost of doing business to picking the right plates, to sending back food. His new spot Dalia just opened in South Boston.

Calder Gardens wows.

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Crack a cold one! In this episode, we're talking about Polar Seltzer, a staple of fridges and coolers across New England. This Worcester-based company has been in business for 144 years, and it remains the gold standard for the seltzer obsessed, including our guest, food writer Jacqueline Cain. We chat about the best flavors, the recent rebrand and the Willy Wonka-esque mystery surrounding Polar.

The curse of the Rocky statue strikes Ecuador. 

Coop Social Club in JP. 

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In this episode, we're chatting with Chris Wrenn, author of Fenway Punk: How a Boston Indie Label Scored Big on Baseball's Greatest Rivalry. He talks "Yankees Suck," going legit with Sully's Brand, and the city's enduring punk and hardcore scene. It's a true Boston story with plenty of only-in-Beantown insights.

AJ Brown's AI silliness

Boston has the NBA's most passionate — and most obnoxious — fans

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This week, it's just the tip — of Cape Cod! We're talking Provincetown with Courtney Trautman a South End transplant with a deep love of this seaside gay mecca.

Philly artist Clancy Philbrick explains his very special replica of the World Cup trophy. Check our his work HERE.

The Broad Street Bulletin.

Bathtub Marys.

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It's re-run time, as Lee is off getting ready for the launch of ArtPhilly's What Now: 2026 festival. To that end, we're kicking off summer by chatting about Cape Cod. Sharing his thoughts, feelings, and shark avoidance tips is Joe Fenti, standup comedian and corporate drone/content creator. Follow him on Instagram (@fentifriedchicken) and TikTok.

For more on Boston Children's Choir and to register, head to bostonchildrenschorus.org or call 617-245-6036. 

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In this episode, writer Tanya Edwards tells us about the rise and fall of Boston Market (née Boston Chicken), which just closed its final Massachusetts location. From two young Northeastern grads with a rotisserie and a dream, to Carver Sandwiches, to private-equity mismanagement, this story has everything. Check out Tanya's feature on the death of this local institution in the Boston Globe.

Philadelphia man eats chicken on abandoned pier in front of raucous crowd. 

A Schwarbomb at Fenway. 

A key to Black Point Beach goes for $325,000.

Novo Mundo in New Bedford.

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